Entries categorized "Minor League Baseball"

April 25, 2017

Trenton, NJ—Things are exciting, as they usually are, in Trenton, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. There’s a mix of top ranked talent showing they’re developing at a fine pace. And then there’s guys who might not be as well-known or as hyped, but are coming through in the early spring of the 2017 season.

Before a game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays), Thunder manager Bobby Mitchell had some thoughts on a few guys doing a solid job for the club, and advancing their development as hoped.

The news that day was about top prospect Gleyber Torres, who was out with a sore arm, though he’d not been officially placed on the DL yet. The Yankees caution, mixed with arm soreness was what the concern boiled down to for the YOUNG (20!) player. He was placed on the 7-day DL and is expected to make his return shortly. Mitchell recalled his own playing days and said, well, sometimes your arm strength just gets, “Zapped.”

On the mound that night was top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield, making his second start of the season. Mitchell was high on him, as are the Yankees, and the enthusiasm about his potential was clear.

“Shef is dynamic. He’s one of the most competitive players that we have,” Mitchell said. “He’s got really good stuff. He’s fun to watch.”

Big on the list of what’s fun to watch, for anyone not facing him that is, is his command of mix of pitches. The hard-throwing lefty was set to go 7 innings and throw 94 pitches. He went 6 innings, and gave up one run on 3 hits to earn the win. He also got a little more leeway, throwing 97 pitches, 57 of them for strikes, outdoing top Blue Jays pitching prospect Sean Reid-Foley who lasted 3 innings, though he only allowed 2 hits and did not surrender a run.

“We expect big things out of [Sheffield], and he expects big things out of himself.”

At the other end of the field, the bullpen has been a showcase for one guy repeating the level, big righty Cale Coshow.

Back in his New York Penn League days, Coshow was a starter and heavier. He credited his off-season weight loss after that season as highly beneficial to his health and his comfort on the mound. He could be wild back then, with less effectiveness but big power in the arm, and a willingness to challenge hitters. He just needed to polish the rough edges. This year, he’s finding his groove by finding his confidence. Mitchell says Coshow’s confidence “is growing” as he works his way through good and bad moments.

After notching his third save of the season (he recently earned his 5th), Mitchell observed that there’s been changes in his mentality that led to the better performance.

“He had a bad first outing and he came in and struggled and it was somewhat similar to what we saw last year. Where his confidence and command were…where he started relying on his secondary stuff too much.

For a guy that throws 95-100, there’s no need to mix in off-speed stuff, not if he’s confident enough in his fastball. The key is commanding the heater, Mitchell said.

“When he does, he’s effective. When he’s not commanding his fastball, he’s up in the zone and sometimes they catch up with his fastball. And then he mixes in a cutter-slider that he’s working on. The one pitch he got burned on in his first outing was a hanging slider. He’s a got that’s got that closer stuff. We just need him to stay in that role.”

Where that leads him with the Yankees is hard to figure, perhaps in short relief. What was clear from his outing the night before was that he did something he needed to (earned the save) by staying the course mentally and not reverting to bad habits (throwing up in the zone). He worked with a one-run lead and showed his grace under pressure.

“That confidence he’s building is huge. Mentally is the biggest thing for him. He’s got the stuff; it’s just a matter of believing in his stuff,” Mitchell said.

The strong lineup also features left fielder Zach Zehner, whom falls among players that might not be getting the attention they’ve earned. The spotlight tends to favor those receiving the most hype overall, but, also those who seem the closest to having an impact on the big club. The 2015 18th round pick for the Yankees spent 2016 in High-A Tampa, and, understandably is making some adjustments to the high level jump to Double-A.

Mitchell had seen “Z,” as he called him in the spring, down in Tampa, Florida, the Spring Training home of the Yankees, and liked what he saw. Now he’s getting a better look at not just the player, but the person.

“His work habits stand out a lot. He works hard at everything he does. He’s very energetic. And he’s really come on strong with the bat for us. He needs to make adjustments. And he just has a very good attitude,” Mitchell said.

Bobby Mitchell’s club this year is already showing up big: they’re 2nd in the league (Eastern Div.), just behind the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox), with a 10-7 record.

You can read my continued coverage of the Trenton Thunder in the bi-weekly column ‘Stars, Heels and Stripes’ on Pinstriped Pros. And look here for ongoing coverage of the Eastern League throughout the 2017 season.

March 21, 2017

There’s something about a minor league rehab assignment that creates extra excitement around any MiLB ballpark. Most days, some teams may fudge the numbers a little to show they had higher attendance. Others regularly enjoy a strong turnout, especially on nights with popular promotions. But when a major league player comes to town on his road to recovery from injury, even more fans come out. It’s a smaller setting, more intimate, and, of course, easier on the wallet.

There’s something different going on in the Mets organization, a new way to draw ‘em in this season, and his name (have you heard?) is Tim Tebow.

What do we make of all this? Well, many hate the whole damn thing. Many players, particularly minor leaguers, have voiced their displeasure, not so much at his pursuit of a dream, but how it trickles down to impact MiLB players trying so hard for a shot. At 29, Tebow, a former football star, is somehow in the same boat with them. Seems unbalanced, sure; who can blame their frustration and distrust of the entire “experiment?” Fans have also voiced their displeasure. Traditionalists who love the game find it ridiculous, those who cover the game, some who are fans with independent blogs, have been passionately pissed off about Tebow getting through the door, in what they see as unfair advantage because the Mets see an opportunity to make money. Don’t fault the Mets minor league affiliates for kicking up their heels on this one, because this is where they make their money. They need moments like this, and they don’t come around that often.

But to the players who may hate this, who are quietly stewing or have been very vocal, and to those being supportive of Tebow’s dream, a moment has arrived for you too.

When Tebow makes his debut with the Low-A Columbia Fireflies, there will be players who’ve come off their first professional season; some ranked higher in the system, others will be fighting to stay healthy and in the mix, so as not to be forgotten after the next draft. They’re all scraping and scrapping though. They know there are no guarantees. The truth of it is, there’s no guarantee for Tebow either. His success isn’t a guaranteed gimmick, even if his being in baseball works as one for the Mets. He too will be working to get an opportunity.

The difference, of course, is that Tebow will be soaking up the spotlight in a way a low-level, barely known prospect can’t. He’ll bring big media to the ballpark and the headlines will go to him, more often than not. But, boys, those cameras aren’t allergic to you. And when the story is written, your name in the Tebow story takes on new meaning.

If you’re the guy that hits behind or ahead of him, you’re in the story. If you do something big while he’s on base, you’re in there. If you’re pitching to him, and you kick his famous butt out of that batter’s box, and bonus if you do it big, you’ll hear your name. If you make a play that puts him out, maybe even a spectacular play, you get more attention. You’ll get a little more of the spotlight than you would have at the lowest levels of the bus leagues.

This may be cold comfort. Many minor league players are still barely getting by and that counts for a lot. Plenty of players have quit early on in their careers because they just couldn’t see living that way too many more years. Tebow won’t have those concerns. He has built-in perks. But his fame is to the advantage of many in the minor leagues, and most definitely that includes players.

So to minor leaguers, take full advantage of his advantage. When you step into the batter’s box or on the mound or take your position, play it for all it’s worth; smile. You’re on Tebow camera.

March 14, 2017

Several years ago, a scout at a minor league game paused at the mention of a player’s name.

He was quiet for a moment, then, with a measured, definitive tone said, “He doesn’t have the emotional maturity to be in the major leagues.”

This point is arguable to an extent, because we’ve seen many so-called immature players be highly or moderately successful in MLB. But there was a deeper meaning to what he was saying. And I’ve spent over a decade exploring the truth of that statement in many different ways.

You see a lot when you cover hundreds of minor league games. You observe, you listen; you pick up little comments, notice private moments, and begin to see emotional patterns. Players are like anyone. They don’t change so much as they grow. They grow into themselves physically, but it’s the growing into who they are as people that can be tougher. There was a time when being in the “farm system,” whether highly touted or barely regarded, meant that you were pretty far out of sight. Years ago, local newspaper reporters were the major sources for immediate minor league news. I’m sure there was a fair amount of talk the following day if readers caught a report on the guys in Double-A. But there was no social media to give fans the skinny every moment as it was happening. Players were able to grow without much of a spotlight bearing down on them before they even stepped into big league ballpark lights.

These days, fans hear about everything, all the time. And opinions form quickly about guys who are just out of high school or college. In Yankees prospect Jorge Mateo’s case, a private incident became a public one, and his maturity level became a major talking point.

Mateo, signed as a seventeen-year old free agent out of the Dominican Republic, is coming off of a difficult season at the plate with High-A Tampa. Though he showed some flashes of brilliance and showcased his strengths still in development, he didn’t have the kind of year the Yankees may have wanted. You add to that a reported confrontation in which he reportedly questioned not receiving a promotion to Double-A, resulting in a suspension, AND add to that Gleyber Torres is clearly the team’s future shortstop, you’re left with many questions about Mateo’s future.

This is your friendly reminder that Mateo’s 21 years old.

For anyone, growing up is hard enough. Do it in the limelight, playing for the New York Yankees, with millions of self-proclaimed experts questioning your every mistake, and it’s probably a whole lot harder. The expectation however is that when a team invests their time, money and faith in you, you have to step up to the moment and be big enough to handle the hard knocks. Sure, that’s understandable. But if the expectation is that a young player shouldn’t have the space to grow as a person, and make some errors in judgment along the way, we’re asking too much.

Writers descend like seagulls at a crowded beach on stories like this. And they write the narrative in stone. They did it with Bryce Harper, a guy many big league beat writers had the challenge of writing about from afar for a brief time, but already let Nationals fans know trouble was coming. He too had early reports of difficulties written about him. He was considered a risk, despite, oh, being one of the most exciting players in baseball history before he even played a major league game. But there needed to be a story, a focus. And all the focus was on what kind of a guy he was. Harper, as young as he was, was treated like he should have his entire act together before he was 20 years old.

We don’t know the kind of player or person Mateo will be, nor do we know that about any young player who’s just starting his professional career. We can recall our own worst growing pains, but, for some reason, we don’t. We put far too much stock in the early days of a player’s career, because we hear about so many moments, on and off the field, so fast. If a player has a moment of frustration, and lashes out at his superiors, is it really earth-shattering news? Is his personality etched in stone? How quickly do we need these guys to grow up, to fast track to the big leagues to become the stars we long for? Too quickly. We want it all, too quickly, because we consume information constantly. Developing players just doesn’t allow for that kind of hurried pace.

The slow process of a baseball game is much like the (usually) slow process of player development. There are pauses. Big failures and big successes, highs and lows, and the pace isn’t rushed…at least it wasn’t, but that’s another story. The down moments can be devastating. The highs can be exhilarating. Players talk often about not allowing either one get to them. Never get too high, never get too low, they’ll say in one way or another.

I covered Mateo in 2016. And I covered the player that the scout was completely decided on. Mateo was never blatantly disrespectful to anyone to my eyes. That “incident” was away from our eyes, as it should’ve been. He went about his business every day and his manager and coaches gave him high marks for his ability and effort. But that’s boring, right? Let’s all run with the bad seed narrative instead.

Did I mention Mateo’s 21? Also, by the way, Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently told the New York Daily News that the report of what truly happened between Mateo and team brass was, “false,” and went on to say, “None of that ever happened. We didn’t reveal why we did what we did, but I can tell you it had nothing to do with anything like that.” Mateo is also showing strong promise in Spring Training, a good sign that he’s moving forward, and, perhaps, can improve upon his 2016 results.

As for the player the scout mentioned, he was unbearable to deal with: arrogant, rude and unapologetic for his attitude. He didn’t change any opinions in the big leagues. He’s no longer in major league baseball. So, sometimes, yeah, they don’t mature. You just don’t know early on.

March 09, 2017

FLA- Rays top pitching prospect Brent Honeywell continues to be the one to watch in the Rays organization as the 2017 season creeps closer.

In 2016 we talked about his finding his way in his second season in the Florida State League, about turning self-criticism into a positive, by being, say, more self-reflective, more self-assured with all of his pitches, especially his fastball. Honeywell has worked extensively with Steve “Doc” Watson, including on pitch sequencing, and after 10 games with the Charlotte StoneCrabs, he was promoted to Double-A Montgomery.There he made 10 starts, finishing with a 2.28 a slight drop from Charlotte (2.41).He finished the season with a combined 117 strikeouts.

This off-season, he said he’d hoped to see time in Durham with the Bulls. But, he added, “I just want to WIN. Wherever I’m at. I want to win.”

While the righty's screwball gets the most attention, he entered spring training with a few other things on his mind to work on. And there was something else. In talking to him, he expressed increased confidence in how he views his ability and the near future. He’s always sounded ready. He just sounded, well, readier.

When asked what the main less of 2016 was, he said plainly, “I learned that I can get minor league guys out.”

Here’s what else he said about early work in camp:

Current Focus: “Right now I’m focused on locating everything on both sides of the plate. Because I think what would really benefit me right now is to see some big league hitters. That would give me the gauge I need to make adjustments to get big league guys out. My stuff is good enough for that.”

Specifics on Pitches: “I’m throwing everything but extra time on a new breaking ball. And making the curveball a little sharper.”

Mindset Heading into the 2017 Regular Season: “Keep everything simple. Be realistic with yourself. Admit when you make a bad pitch. “

January 26, 2017

Long before professional baseball called, two boys sat at the kitchen table and listened to the adults talk politics. They learned a few things about the world. They formed a point of view. They learned more. And they gained a sense of themselves outside of baseball.

For catcher Wes Wilson, who’s in the Yankees organization, it was Sunday nights for dinner at his grandparents, what he calls his “earliest exposure” to politics, where he heard the opinions and debates that would inform and inspire his own interest.

“I’m not sure I ever contributed much. But I was definitely listening,” he said.

The Kentucky native watched, as his parents read every section of the local newspaper. It took time for him to feel connected to all of it. Baseball was calling, and he headed off to attend Indiana State, moving on to the professional ranks after the Yankees signed him. In his first off-season he got a little spark.

“I became interested in finance. I started to understand the importance of knowing the world around us,” he said.

In Ranchos Palos Verdes, California, Lenny Linsky was getting educated in a uniquely first-hand way. Linsky’s mother is a native of Spain, and had plenty to teach and tell him about political revolution. Linsky, a pitcher in the Rays organization, cites his mother and father for having conversations with him that helped shape his worldview and inspire his activism.

“My mom and I tend to fall on the same side of the fence and talks with her continue to be incredibly constructive given her unique perspective,” Linsky said.

His earliest memory of political discourse was with his father. The young man wondered why wages haven’t “proportionally increased with productivity,” and his father gave him his first day in class on the political workings of the economy.

“My economic literacy was not up to par,” he said. “And my father being an incredibly intelligent man pretty much waxed me.”

But it helped him get on course. He would explore his own ideas and the reality of politics, while developing as a baseball player. He took up surfing, too. But there was something more beckoning him.

Through the years, both players chatted with teammates about politics. But 2016 was a year unlike any other. Everyone was witnessing a shift in the mood, a sense that things were not quite as they seemed. Were we really this divided? That question continues to be front and center everywhere, and it didn’t escape the baseball clubhouses that either player was in.

One issue in particular was “locker room” related. Donald Trump’s infamous comments about grabbing women sexually and being able to get away with it due to fame were caught on tape, when he was preparing to be interviewed by reporter Billy Bush. The comment was followed by his defense that it was nothing more than “locker room talk.”

“Let’s make no bones about it, what Trump described in that tape was sexual assault,” Linsky said. “Never, at any point in my life, have I heard anyone in a locker room brag about forcefully touching another woman.”

Wilson is also clear in his experience and opinion of Trump’s comments.

“The comments made on that bus were completely out of line,” he said. “And more importantly the kind of behavior described in those comments, if carried out, would be criminal. I don’t know of any friends or teammates, nor can I imagine anyone I know, engaging in such behavior.”

The clubhouse is obviously a place where players can relax, enjoy downtime, and have fun. Reporters are permitted to be in there for an allotted time but, otherwise, it’s a kind of sanctuary. Stuff gets said in jest. For many athletes, especially those so young, someone like Trump might embody their idea of male success: ego-driven bragging, a private jet, a beautiful model for a wife. And Linsky acknowledges the “macho culture.”

“Some like to brag about their conquests. I’m not going to sit on my high horse and say I never have, “he said. “At some point it goes from young kids puffing their chests to grown men objectifying women, and viewing them as trophies, as opposed to equal humans deserving of respect.”

Sports are treated as religion by fans, so passions run high. If athletes voice their opinions on issues or anything specifically political, there can be intense backlash. Former pitcher Curt Schilling came under fire for violent remarks about Hillary Clinton and, later, about trans-gender people on Twitter. Earlier in the year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the National Anthem as a form of protest against racism. The response was, literally, fiery with fans making videos of burning his jersey and many taking to social media to declare him un-American.

But Schilling is retired and has no financial worries about speaking out. Kapernick is an active player making millions. They can afford to be outspoken. For minor league players like Wilson and Linsky, the risk is higher. Offending the team, or the fans, or violating the MLB Social Media Policy, is a major concern. But so too is the risk of offending teammates in the clubhouse. As the election neared, it was hard to avoid discussing the unfolding circumstances.

Linsky, a devoted supporter of and volunteer for Bernie Sanders, who ran for the Democratic nomination, saw in Sanders someone who shared many of his beliefs, but also inspired him to get as involved as possible. His energy was high and, at times, may have come off overly aggressive to his teammates.

“I was brash and confrontational at first,” he admits. “It hindered substantive discourse. As of late, I’ve learned to be a better listener and I feel those discussions have become more enriching. We talk about all dimensions of politics. Grayson Garvin and I had some great discussions. We tend to be on different sides on how the economy should be run and we haven’t budged. But I’ve gained a better understanding, and I really appreciated our calm, respectful talks.”

Wilson points to the vast and varying backgrounds in baseball as being a way for a lot of communication to flow. He’s found that humor is also more prevalent. In the clubhouses he’s been in, no one’s gotten too serious, or much in each others way about points of view.

“A professional baseball locker room might be the most diverse in all of sports,” he said. “[You’ll] find college graduates, high school graduates, and guys who signed before finishing high school. Some are American, Latin American, and some from other countries. There are players with lots of money and others who live in debt just to pursue “the dream.” That alone contributes to a wide variety of opinions up and down the roster.”

As for the current state of things, like many Americans, he hopes for a way forward, where there’s less conflict, though it’s safe to say conflict has only just begun.

“Honestly, I’m ready for things to settle down and everyone get to work. Like nearly everyone, I’ve got reservations about what might happen during the next four years. I’m excited to see where we end up. I believe in the American people and their judgment. Despite what others might say, they’re not all [Editor’s Note: The underline was Wilson’s, via an emailed response] out of their minds, racists or misogynists.”

He talks about the “energy” needing to be used for change and concerns about the country becoming even more divided. Linsky also sees a country divided on issues of race, and that came up in the clubhouse as well.

“One topic that started out divided, but after some time became more unified was the topic of Black Lives Matter and criminal justice reform. What I found was that teammates who were opposed were not so out of malicious intent, but rather misunderstanding,” he said. “I don’t fault them one bit because in our high school textbooks we are somewhat taught that after the Civil Rights Movement, racism was magically over and we lived happily ever after. To my teammates credit, they were open to evidence that clearly shows the unequal divide in the treatment of our fellow black brothers and sisters.”

The fact that “evidence” of that was needed is another good indication people are far from where we might’ve believed in our society. It was difficult to ignore many voters open anger toward people of color and other religions, particularly Muslims. How do you have civil conversations when there are such fundamental differences in how you see the state of the world, and, in many cases, simple facts? Is that possible in a baseball clubhouse, where you’re trying to create close relationships and win together? Those distinct differences can certainly be magnified and lead to tensions. For Linsky, navigating through that was not impossible. There’s plenty of common ground.

“To my teammates credit, the Rays locker room [I was in] is one of the most civil and mature locker rooms I’ve been in. Most of the discussions revolve around hunting, fishing, baseball, obviously, and politics,” he said.

At one point, he had a Facebook group that he organized with fellow Rays minor league player Keith Castillo, as well as other friends with similar needs to express themselves. But while that didn’t last, it gave him even more of a glimpse at his possible future self.

“A dream of mine is to become a US Congressman, so that is something I’d like to be prepared for as well,” he said.

He’s doing that by continuing his education, as well as continued involvement, in any way he can, with Black Lives Matter. He also attended the post-inauguration Women’s March on Washington that drew millions, making it the largest protest march in recorded American history.

Wilson, for all his humor and light-heartedness seemed poised for a post-baseball political career in politics by declaring in his Twitter bio, his future plans to run for office. But that’s not necessarily a definite thing.

“It’s incredibly hard to have an impact so that you can honestly answer the question, “is it really worth it?” I am not sure I’m serious,” he said.

There was a moment of concern for Wilson as our discussions progressed. He wondered if he’d made the right decision discussing all this. Ultimately, he was reassured. But it’s understandable. We’re in tricky times. Ultimately, Wilson went on to say, there’s a strong desire within him to connect with people, to do things in the world that he believes in.

“I love working with people and, in my heart of hearts, I believe that there can be solutions on nearly any issue,” he said. Then, he had a thought. “You never know. Maybe I should move my target to the right….[and run in] 2052?”

For Linsky, there are private, urgent questions he’s struggling to answer, while trying to keep an open mind. He learned to listen more, but he’s continuing to speak freely and fearlessly. He didn’t hold back when considering the future of America.

“It’s hard for me to describe what I’m feeling with the [new] presidency. I’m legitimately worried for the lives of anyone who is not straight, white and male like myself,” he said. “Trump spent a year and half attacking seemingly every group from the disabled, to women, to Mexicans and Muslims. I don’t think our Constitution will allow for more of his outlandish proposals to be implemented, but at the same time I’m sad at the message that conveys to our country and the world when he’s rewarded for such behavior.”
He then struck a note of optimism, saying, “There’s nothing I like more than being proven wrong. So prove me wrong Donald.”

Sports, swimming in all sorts of glorified messages about American pride, doesn’t always welcome athletes speaking out as private citizens. Will we see baseball players, and other athletes speaking out less, or more, on politics in the years to come? For minor league players, the decision to be outspoken is tougher. But they’re watching. They’re listening. And some of them have been learning to listen better, at least in the strange bubble that is the minor leagues.

December 16, 2016

The culture of baseball continues to be challenged and changed by Major League Baseball, with the PTB taking seriously issues of sexism, violence and homophobia. On Monday, MLB announced that dressing as women for rookie hazing is now prohibited.

The news was received on social media with a mix of emotions and thoughts, with many wondering what the point was, while others expressed support for the move, believing it to be a positive step toward shutting down discriminatory attitudes. The statement was part of an Anti-Bullying/Anti-Discrimination effort by MLB, which prohibits teams from the following AP wire:

“…from requiring, coercing or encouraging” players to engage in activities that include, “dressing up as women or wearing costumes that may be offensive to individuals based on their race, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristic.”

There’s several disappointing elements to players being angry about new rule when you read that statement in full. The most glaring oversight from those who think the new rule is utterly dumb, is that perhaps they didn’t consider the bullying connection to young fans. Many young boys and girls falling in love with the game are also dealing with bullying at school for any number of reasons. MLB is looking to the future of the game, and seem to be saying to them, and to parents, “Don’t worry, not here.” If a young boy identifies as a girl, and his parents encourage that, and if he’s also a baseball fan, he ‘s receiving a message that dressing “as a girl” is funny and worthy of teasing.

Digging deeper, young players are being asked to see women differently. MLB is asking them, no, telling them, to regard women through a more respectful spectrum, by challenging them to re-think their “traditions.” You might not see the practice as sexist, and that’s ok; but MLB is taking a decisive step to ensure that there’s no risk of that. The rule isn’t about players, or their feelings; it’s about people outside of their bubble, whose experience in the world is different than theirs.

Also, consider how many gay players throughout the years felt uncomfortable participating in something that celebrated hyper masculinity/machismo. Perhaps they had fun because, yes, the whole thing is meant to be fun. But homophobic attitudes have also been the norm in sports. We can imagine ignoring that underlying element was difficult. The idea is that to be gay, means you’re not a man. And what better way to humiliate a man than to make him dress as a woman?

Plenty of players, according to one former player, just didn’t get what was so great about the tradition when forced to participate.

Garrett Broshius, a lawyer who now leads the MiLB lawsuit seeking fairer pay for MiLB players, had this to say in response to one of my tweets:

“yes, this was not “fun” for a lot of players. Too often it was demeaning.”

He then attached a photo of him helping dress a rookie in a leopard suit, which, per the policy, isn’t prohibited.

Kevin Youkilis was even more emotional about the announcement, taking to his Twitter account:

“Seriously?! Had to wear a Hooters outfit going through customs in Toronto and wore it proudly because I was in the Show.”

Making his major league debut was likely cooler than wearing a Hooters outfit. But what bothers him, and other former and current players so much about this new rule? They can’t wear ladies clothes for a day? They can’t goof around without consequences? Or are they bothered by being challenged to not see feminine culture and women in general, as something worth respecting, and not reducing them to mockery? Ok, so you can’t wear garters and lipstick as a male bonding ritual (Honestly, this part loses me every time). So what?

On Tuesday, as if it hadn’t gotten weird enough, it got weirder, when San Francisco Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow made an emotionally charged statement on a radio show about the new rule.

“I think it’s ridiculous. A lot of these kids come up out of the minor leagues after having been there for four or five years, they get to the big leagues and they cannot wait to put a dress on. They want to be part of it. It’s tradition.”

He then went on to discuss Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon’s theme night for travel days, in which, as Krukow explains, “They put on pajamas or a superhero costume…now [MLB] is taking it to another level.”

The statement of defeated outrage likely wasn’t meant to be funny, but…it was! It’s probably news to many that baseball players look forward to wearing a dress. Again, back to the central question of why? Most players will say it’s just fun. Well, so is dressing up as a super hero. So is hanging out at a bar, shooting the breeze and having a drink. So is playing baseball, at least in many ways it is (minor leaguers definitely don’t have it easy). So then let’s expand the central question to, why is dressing in traditionally feminine attire and mocking female behavior so important? Why is losing that “privilege” such a big deal?

New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, per a New York Post story written by Ken Davidoff, said simply, “I wouldn’t say I understand it, but I really have no say in it. I’m not going to be bitter about it.”

This seemed to summarize the problem. They don’t understand it. And they’re being asked to. In any workplace, there are boundaries. But in sports, those boundaries aren’t often set, and if they are, they aren’t respected, or, as that player said, their value isn’t completely understood . A baseball field and a clubhouse aren’t like a normal office, where men and women are expected to treat each other as equals. No, in sports, women have a place and they have to fight to get outside those lines. Players wouldn’t understand that unless they tried. And many don’t want to try. That’s not to insinuate Syndergaard wouldn’t understand if you explained the other side of things. Many players will more than likely get beyond worrying about this pretty fast.

Truthfully, baseball can be a safe haven for bad behavior, as all sports are. And in recent years, decisions have been made to change that, usually due to public outcry.

A few years ago, MLB cracked down on problems with players on social media, issuing guidelines that players must follow in order to engage on SM platforms. And last year, a new Domestic Violence Policy was agreed upon, allowing MLB to suspend players regardless of a court’s decision, among other things.

How many of these same players took a vocal stand on domestic violence, when players, especially teammates, were involved? They’ll take a stand on their right to mock women, but not to actually show respect for women’s bodies and safety. The same Mets players are supporting their teammate Jose Reyes, who was arrested for violently attacking his wife. They likely would never take to Twitter to rant about that. In that NY Post story, Brandon Nimmo, a fine person whom I had the pleasure of covering in the minors, is pictured with Reyes. He had a measured, thoughtful, if not neutral response.

“For me it was a good experience. We were lucky to have a good group of veterans who didn’t exploit it.”

Nimmo never showed anything but the utmost respect to me and other women in baseball, so to categorize him as insensitive or thoughtless about the issue would be unfair. He doesn’t fit under that umbrella. Surely like many players, he’s not for or against it, and enjoyed just doing something traditional and fun when making his big league debut.

Which brings up the subject of the connectedness to all of this with women in sports media; have you ever walked into a clubhouse and been ridiculed for being a woman? Have you ever heard players screaming and yelling and catcalling so loudly, that your voice couldn’t be heard, so you walked out, only to have the player follow you and taunt you more? Have you ever heard a player faking a lengthy orgasm, of what he seems to think women sound like when sexually satisfied? Have you ever listened to two players talk about what another teammate wants to do to you sexually? Have you ever been questioned about how you look or what you’re wearing by a colleague who said you don’t look like a baseball writer, or a player who says you should expect to be sexually harassed when entering the clubhouse? Have you ever been asked, by a player in the clubhouse, “What if we were all naked?” or heard one yell, “What’s that girl doing in here?” to laughter? Have you ever come in contact with what women in sports call a “towel dropper”, and him wait until you turned, dropped the towel and laugh in your face? Well, I have. And that’s not the half of it. That’s the way many players, coaches, managers, and men working in baseball view women, and it doesn’t matter that I’m a professional. My female-ness, my being a woman, my wearing lipstick and heels and a dress are symbols of something outside the macho realm, therefore, I don’t belong. That’s why dressing up like us is so funny. We’re worthy of ridicule. And when we enter the room as serious professionals, the jig is up. The emotions run high, and their brains don’t seem to know what to do. A woman is present. And God forbid you take that seriously.

They want us to “understand” bro culture, but they plainly say they don’t understand anyone who isn’t on board with what they do or say, and they don’t want to hear from anyone who isn’t. They accuse anyone in disagreement of being too sensitive, but they’re reacting with a high level of hysteria over not being able to wear a bra and lipstick.

In response to Huff, former professional pitcher with the San Francisco Giants, Shane Loux, tweeted, “I remember that. So much fun. Has any player spoken out against this or is it only columnists who were never part of anything like this ever?”

I responded to him by saying, no, many of us weren’t part of that. Just like players aren’t a part of what we experience. As a writer and reporter, and columnist, I’ve heard every sort of offensive thing directed at me by players. But I still write about them, still keep covering the game. Because I try to understand people, and their experiences; it’s amazing what you can do when you try. And, in my case, I shouldn’t have to try to understand why I’ve been treated that way. It’s possible none of them thought about it like that. That’s fine. Then you can’t ask others to understand your fun and games, if you don’t regard others opinions and thoughts as worth listening to.

Baseball is changing, but you know what hasn’t changed? They’re playing a game for a living. And major league players making millions emoting on Twitter over not being able to have fun anymore is, well, laughable. You’ll have plenty of fun. You’re playing baseball. Women love you. Men want to be you.

What players now have to do, outside of the fun of playing the game, and getting a healthy paycheck is take the time to understand things they might never have before. We get it. Being feminine is humorous. It’s hilarious that we’re women, and its why many of them think they can treat us like garbage when we walk into a locker room. It’s hard to let privilege go. Replacing it with being grateful, and listening to other people who ARE outside of your experiences, isn’t easy. But that’s what’s now expected of them. These guys aren’t bad people for participating in that tradition, not by any means. But they have to move on now. Take the time to listen to the message in the language MLB is using.

Major league baseball is taking steps to be more inclusive, and to be more aware of what’s important and the message they’re sending, not just to fans, but to their players. Playing baseball for a living, not getting to dress like women for a day, sounds like a fairly easy deal. It’s a new day for baseball players. And still a pretty great one.

October 01, 2016

The New York Mets had signed former football player (and former college baseball player) Tim Tebow to a contract, and assigned him to instructional league. This was following a try-out heard ‘round the baseball world. There was swift and passionate reaction from baseball fans and those in the media. But most interestingly, and most meaningful, was the reaction of players in the minor leagues. Many took to Twitter to declare their feelings, and to explain the reality of their experience.

Tebow was for tenth slot draft money, and assigned to instructional league in Port St. Lucie, home of the Florida State League Mets affiliate and the spring training facility.

Pitcher Todd Van Steensel read the news the same as we all did. But he’d been in the minor leagues for seven years with the Minnesota Twins, and the native Australian had many thoughts about the Tebow signing, and how MLB operates. Like many minor league players today, he began tweeting those thoughts.

“No other MiLBer gets the luxury of working a job during the season to make more money, why should he?”

“This is disgusting. I know senior signs who received $1000 who have more baseball talent in one pinky than Tebow has.”

Van Steensel joined the chorus of professional players who were unamused, unimpressed with the signing, along with Rays minor league pitcher Jacob Faria. While baseball might be an experiment for Tebow, it’s the livelihood of minor league players hoping for a shot at a major league call-up, and hopefully a career. In the past, players like Van Steensel didn’t have a voice, or wouldn’t have used it, but in the social media era, minor league players have a platform long before they make it to MLB.

“Whenever you share an honest opinion on social media, you’re aware of the implications,” Van Steensel said. “So for the most part, I try to steer away from controversy. But in some cases, you do feel like a voice needs to be heard.”

In the case of Tebow, Van Steensel points to several reasons why he felt the need to use his voice now.

“I felt like as a minor league player who doesn’t get any special treatment I was disappointed in how Tebow is allowed days off from Instructional League to work an ESPN job, and the average person needed to know that this isn’t what minor league baseball is about. In the minors, we’re lucky to get two days off a month and he will get days off to go make money at another job,” he said. “No one else in the minors would be allowed to do that, so it’s frustrating that a guy who hasn’t played in ten years is being granted leave from baseball.”

Twitter has become our communal experience. We meet like-minded, similarly experienced people, and connect worldwide. It can serve as a place to hear your struggles reflected back to you. You’re not alone.

“Some days, a random act of kindness is what you need to get through the long days,” said Van Steensel of the connections he’s made with fans on Twitter, many of whom have given him care packages throughout the season.

Minor league players are counted among those in a uniquely qualified group. Sure, every major leaguer spent time in developmental league. But many in the minors are discussed less, and their progress isn’t covered as often by big league beat writers. The issue of minor league pay, due to a multi-person lawsuit filed on behalf of numerous former players, has emerged into the forefront, and MiLB players have addressed that too; sometimes, or more accurately, usually, with a good dose of humor. Anything from pay, to playing conditions and weather, lousy hotels and long bus trips that result in breaking down roadside, the difficulty of maintaining relationships, and even Chipotle have been favorite topics for minor leaguers trying to do their job, live out their dream, and reach the major leagues.

Matt Pare’s blog “Homeless Minor Leaguer” is a mix of that good humor, and also spotlights some of what the experience entails. Despite the blog’s name, he insists it’s in good fun. He also views it from a universal perspective.

“Building an online presence is important for almost all people today, not just athletes,” he said.

He’s expanded the blog to a YouTube channel, where he creates parody videos. Pare describes the venture as a way to reach people who might appreciate them. There are many more of those people today. The details of minor league life weren’t as well known even just several years ago (there’s good and bad in that), but minor league players growing up in the social media-driven age know that’s how to connect. Other players, like Cody Decker, have dabbled in videos showing some of the baseball life from a minor leaguer’s point of view. Decker, now in the Red Sox system, has seen his message reach the masses and gotten attention from high profile media types like Keith Olbermann. There’s a kind of second career that they can develop by paying attention to opportunities, and simply, by being themselves.

Earlier this year, Justin Jackson decided to throw his hat in the ring, or diamond, if you will.

After watching YouTube star Casey Neistat, Jackson, now playing for the independent league Lancaster Barnstormers, says he was inspired to do something similar. He invested in his ambition, buying a GoPro.

“Ball is Life” has grown to over 500 subscribers, and he posts new videos weekly. “My aim was to honestly be creative and show what my life is like,” Jackson said. “Editing is the ultimate artistic medium, so it gave me a chance to show my perspective as a ballplayer.”

Jackson views Twitter as a way for players to promote themselves and their brand, and possibly, open doors to things post-playing career.

“I love shooting the video and creating, so possibly there’s something down the road in Hollywood. Wink-wink.”

When first meeting Jackson, he was in the Toronto Blue Jays system, playing for Double-A New Hampshire. When I walked through the clubhouse, he said, “You’re the Twitter girl.” It was one of those moments, perhaps, the one that crystallized how even minor league reporters are more connected to the players than when we began. Only a few years ago, it wasn’t the powerhouse it is now. Gone are the days when minor league reporters and lesser known players were more in the shadows. The ballplayer life has become more openly shared and fans crave it. But as more minor league players joined the social media landscape, MLB saw a need for clarity by implementing a Social Media Policy. Players are encouraged to engage with their fans, but not to use offensive language or share too much personal information.

That world they inhabit has a language all its own. As with any profession, you know who you can talk shop with. Baseball, for all its promise of glory, really promises nothing. You can be playing today, and released tomorrow. Players commit themselves to that stark notion, and pursue the thing they love. But, now, they have a place where everyone knows their name, and the name doesn’t have to be big. And, if it is, you can be kind of a big deal while waiting for your turn to replace the veteran on the roster. When they take to Twitter or Facebook, minor league players mostly just want to express their thoughts on random, fun stuff like fantasy football, or their college teams, or share a photo of something they’re doing in the off-season. Few want to answer to impolite fans or get into political debate. Jackson is even more to the point.

September 28, 2016

That’s how many pitches Rays prospect Brent Honeywell throws in the bullpen, before starts.He started doing that after meeting Jose Fernandez.

“To this day, that’s all I throw,” Honeywell said. “Because he did.”

Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez lost his life on September 25th, in a boating accident in Miami, and along with his family, the baseball world has mourned the 24-year old beloved superstar.

Honeywell was still in high school when he met Fernandez. He was throwing a bullpen at Fernandez' alma mater, Alonso High, in Tampa in the off-season, prior to making his major league debut. Landy Faedo, Alonso’s head coach was a close, college friend of Honeywell’s father.

Fernandez noticed something about Honeywell that he wanted to offer him advice about.

“He ran over because my tempo was really high. And he told me that I didn’t have to do that, to work on locating fastballs and throwing everything for strikes,” Honeywell said.

He did as Fernandez instructed and every pitch went where it was supposed to. Fernandez laughed, as he watched this transpire.

During that time, Honeywell learned about Fernandez story of escaping Cuba. It left a lasting impression.

“I realize what guys go through to play this game,” Honeywell said.

Beau Wright was a pitcher in the Marlins organization when he met Fernandez.

“When he first showed up in GCL, [he was] a typical eighteen-year old riding that fine line of cocky and confident,” Wright said. “During a game, he would tell me how he would strike each hitter out. And after, he told me how successful he wanted to be in the major leagues.”

Fernandez, a 1st round pick by the Marlins in 2011, shot his way through the minor leagues, making his major league debut in 2013. He was named 2013 Rookie of the Year. From there he connected not just with Marlins fans, but to the hearts of the people of Miami, and to those around the world with similar aspirations, and similar stories of coming to America, to live a better life and pursue the American dream. His childlike spirit and enthusiasm made him a favorite of baseball fans everywhere. He represented many things, to many people. For two guys getting to know him in the minor leagues, he was a guy with an incredible ability to inspire and connect.

When asked whether there was a game he saw him pitch that stood out, Wright said, “Probably every spring training game he threw. I remember one outing he struck out eight of nine Cardinals players. I was convinced he would be great.”

Wright talked about the things Fernandez was known for, a guy always smiling, always in a joking mood, that he was simply a fun person to be in the presence of.

But it was that devotion to greatness that was so clear in Fernandez.

“It was just the incredible determination he had. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how he was going to do it,” Wright said.

Honeywell sums it up.

“He will still go down in the books as one of the best ever,” he said. “What a person.”

June 08, 2016

Tampa, FL- Nick Ciuffo got the news that he’d been selected to the Florida State League All-Star Game. 24 Hours later he was placed on the DL. The injury, to his left pinky finger, means he misses the opportunity to play in the All-Star contest in Fort Myers.

"I've been better," he said. But later he added humorously, "I never knew how important the pinky finger was!"

Keeping his spirits high is just one part of the process for the catcher. Ciuffo has a plan that he's committed to in order to return in top form.

"The biggest thing is, once it heals properly, get the range of motion back," Ciuffo said the day he went on the DL. "My plan, and I haven't talked to our training staff yet, but I'm just not going to get out of shape. Or, I'm just going to try and stay in playing shape the entire time. I can still run. I can still lift weights. I can still do lower body. Really, just staying in good playing shape, and keeping my legs under me."

Until that moment, he'd gotten into the comfort zone at the plate. Something that hadn't come easily in adjusting to a more advanced league. Florida State League tends to favor pitchers, and hitters swing pretty freely. In High-A, pitchers, if they're getting the hang of things, are starting to use their off-speed stuff more and doing so effectively. Ciuffo, 21 benefited from the challenge.

"Early in the season, I was struggling to get a lot of off-speed, mostly change-ups in advantage counts, which I didn't get in the Midwest League. It's a lot of fastballs because guys are younger. I struggled with getting changeups in those counts in the beginning, but I settled in and started waiting for more pitches. I'm still not walking a ton, but I'm walking more than I did last year," he said.

He'd hit .289/.306/.325 with 8 RBI and 6 doubles, and tacked on 5 walks in those 41 games. The Rays 2013 first round pick, drafted out of high school, had been commited to attend the University of South Carolina, but decided to go pro. He made his minor league debut with the Princeton Rays, a Rookie-level league, following that up with a season in the Midwest League, with Bowling Green.

With the success he's been enjoying, it's easy to see it as a major interruption to a season of strong development. But there's the alternate view.

"You could look at it a lot of ways," said Stone Crabs manager Michael Johns. "It stinks he's going to miss the All-Star Game. He deserved to be there. Any kid who's had a year like that should be able to go and represent us. However, he did play in Australia half a season. He played almost everyday in the heat. So, if you want to try and look at it in a positive way, at least it'll give him a little bit of a breather. When he comes back, his legs and arm will be fresh."

When he began the season, he was already prepared for more difficult terrain. "It gave me a good idea of what I needed to do to keep my body in shape for a full season."

He'd played in the highly competitive Australian Baseball League, which allows players to face more experienced competition. And gives the added advantage of more playing time outside of the regular playing season in the United States. He played there for two months before fracturing his right index finger. He returned home for a short time, then headed to the Spring Training complex in Port Charlotte in January. It was there that he locked in to one specific area of focus.

"I just ran. I ran a ton. I gained just a little bit of weight being home for 2-3 weeks not doing anything, so I tried to drop a couple pounds and wanted to be in shape for what's one of the toughest leagues to play in in the minor leagues," he said.

And up to this disappointing moment, he'd been rising to the challenge of the very tough league. Yes, he was clear, this is some bad timing. But in the midst of talking about that genuine frustration, he made a lighthearted point.

April 16, 2016

Clearwater, FL- There’s always one area of a player’s game that he begins the season focused on improving. Sometimes it’s a number of mechanical issues. Sometimes they talk about not getting too emotional when things don’t go right. But Ben Verlander has his eye on one thing he needs to do to be successful this year.

“Just being consistent,” the Lakeland Flying Tigers outfielder said before a game against the Threshers. “I think I’ve proved myself in where I’ve been, so it’s more so just about consistency now. I was before the All-Star break last year, but it’s also something this year that I’d like to be post-break.”

Verlander, 24, spent all of 2015 in High-A Lakeland, playing in 126 games, and finishing with 97 hits, 52 RBI, 5 home runs, and 41 walks. He was also selected to the league All-Star Game. Detroit’s 2013 14th pick out of Old Dominion University began his Tigers career in Short Season A-Ball, in the New York Penn League, playing in 9 games. He split 2014 between there and Low-A Michigan, and was named a NYPL midseason all-star.

He’s begun this season hitting .273/.333/.364 in three games.

In a game of adjustments, Verlander is already feeling at ease.

“I’m more comfortable. I’ve been to every stadium in the league. Last year, I started off really well. I didn’t think the jump was too big. Things were going well. This year it’s just about proving what I can do,” he said.

This spring, he proved something he’d thought about since childhood. He showed his brother, Tigers pitcher Justin, that he could take him deep. At the end of March, the younger Verlander had a shot at his brother, 33, in a minor league intra-squad game and hit a home run that the brothers joked about in the press afterwards. However, this has been a long time coming. A little dream young Ben had against the seemingly always victorious Justin.

“I’ve been competing against him since I started playing sports. I’ve never won in anything; be it basketball, Whiffle ball, video games, whatever it may be, he’d never let me win. Never. So, I always said, since I started playing baseball, ‘If I ever get to face you, I’m going to hit one off you.’ That turned out to be right,” Verlander said.

You can often find him on Twitter joking with his brother and girlfriend, actress Kate Upton. He pokes fun at them and himself.

“I love it. I love the interaction on Instagram and Twitter. I’m enjoying the ride.”

He’s looking at this season without applying added pressure to reach a statistical goal. That’s not the point, he says. There’s a plan, just one that helps him stay the course.

“I set personal goals, like consistency. That’s not something that the outside person can maybe see in the numbers,” he said, “but I know inside the goals I have.”

Game Notes on Flying Tigers: Lefty Tyler Alexander made the start for the Flying Tigers in the series opener against the Tampa Yankees. He started off Jorge Mateo with three quick strikes, including a fastball up in the zone that Mateo couldn’t catch up to, swinging through strike three. Alexander worked quickly and mixed in a commanding fastball with sinking off-speed stuff. His defense got to work and he wasn’t afraid of contact, inducing a grounder for the final out of the first inning. The Tigers scored early to give him slight breathing room. He continued to induce groundball out. He also continued to punch out hitters with his breaking pitches. He’d get Mateo again with an 80 mph pitch that the Tampa shortstop flied out on. This was my first time seeing Alexander and he was impressive with every pitch he tried, keeping Yankees hitters guessing and swinging often… I had a chance to see, and talk to Tigers prospect Christin Stewart in Gulf Coast League last season, and he put together a solid, smart at-bat in the 4th inning of that night’s contest. The outfielder swung at an 86 mph first pitch from Ian Clarkin, but hung back on a pitch that dropped down on the radar to 73 mph for a ball. Clarkin tries to locate a 91 mph fastball at the corner but that missed for a ball. In the 2-2 count, Stewart doubled to right field…the Flying Tigers will return to Tampa in May for a three-game series.

Greg Legg on the Philly Kid with a Dream of Being the Phillies “Future” Closer

In Matt Hockenberry’s Twitter bio, he describes himself in a distinctly Philly way: ‘Temple University alum’ and a pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies organization who’s ‘Trying to find my way to Citizens Bank Park in the future.’

Hockenberry, 24, was the Phillies 9th round pick in 2014 and went on to finish 2nd in Saves in the South Atlantic League. He closed out 2015 with a seven-game scoreless streak.

Greg Legg, manager of Hockenberry’s current team, High-A Clearwater Threshers, sees in him the kind of devotion it takes to accomplish what he hopes. Upstairs, he’s got it.

“He has a great work ethic,” said Legg. “The way he goes about his business is totally off the charts. It’s what you dream of as a manager. Like, I don’t have to stay on him; he’s going to do what he’s supposed to do.”

While there’s plenty of opportunity for him to get the final out of the game, Legg points out that there are “at least four or five arms” that will be given a chance to do the job. Hockenberry really just has to stand out, in order to prove what he envisions for himself.

“He’s going to tell us and the Phillies how far he goes. It depends on how he pitches,” Legg said. “We’re just going to give him the opportunity and whatever he does is up to him. I know he’s got the mentality to pitch late in the ballgame. He’s got a lot of confidence and he pays attention to detail.”

Legg is also confident that the Philly kid could wind up on the mound in the ninth for the big league club.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if his dreams come true.”

Quick Thoughts on....Charlotte Stone Crabs- The Rays affiliate visited later that week, and Manager Michael Johns spoke at length about pitcher Brent Honeywell and the young players he tries to guide in the social-media era. Johns has been in the Tampa Bay Rays organization for several years, including as manager of the Class-A (Short Season) Bowling Green Hot Rods. He’s seen a lot of guys mature and exceed expectations, including pitcher Jacob Faria. Honeywell, 21, has also proven more than perhaps was expected, after scouts were late to notice him in a community college program before the Rays drafted him in the 2nd round in 2014. Johns returns to manage the team after leading the 2015 team to the FSL Championship. He spoke about the difficulties of helping them to be smart and responsible off the field. You can read that conversation and more with Johns in an upcoming story on Honeywell for Baseball Prospectus.